With no maps to guide us we steered our own course/ Rode out the storms when the winds were gale force/ Sat out the doldrums in patience and hope/ Working together we learned how to cope

Two currachs were launched in to the Irish Sea by President Higgins literally this morning following a month-long workshop where a team have been hand-building the boats under the guidance of artist Mark Redden, who learnt the craft from Jackie Mons and Cork currach builder Padraig O Duinnin.

Sez Mark:

“The currachs stand for the quality of ancient design, a legacy left to us by our forbearers and a resourcefulness applicable to today’s life.”

The build site and future home of these boats is the East Wall Water Sports Centre beside the River Tolka where recently salmon returned to spawn after an absence of more than 100 years.